The day before the 15th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, federal officials came to Jersey City to announce the award of an $8.5 million grant to hire more firefighters and enhance the city’s emergency response.
Against the backdrop of a rig purchased under a similar grant, Mayor Steven Fulop greeted U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker to acknowledge the grant.
“This is the largest SAFER grant in Jersey City history,” said Mayor Fulop.
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grants (SAFER) program was created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available in their communities.
The goal of SAFER is to enhance the local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.
Two years ago the Jersey City Fire Department received a $6.87 million federal grant for the Jersey City Fire Department to replace or help retain 49 firefighters who either previously retired or whose positions were slated for elimination due to municipal budget constraints.
Last year, a similar grant allowed the department to purchase a new fire rig that currently operates out of the Newark Avenue firehouse. It was brought to the fire station on Marin Boulevard as a backdrop to a brief ceremony this year.
“Jersey City was at the forefront of responding to 9/11, and our firefighters continue to be on the front lines of our emergency response efforts.” – Mayor Steven Fulop
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“Jersey City was at the forefront of responding to 9/11, and our firefighters continue to be on the front lines of our emergency response efforts,” said Mayor Fulop. “As Jersey City continues to grow, we are expanding our public safety personnel, equipment, and training, and this grant will be a powerful tool in helping us retain and hire additional firefighters.”
He thanked Menendez and Booker and Reps. Albio Sires and Donald Payne Jr., “for their tireless advocacy to ensure that Jersey City always receives this type of critical funding so we can continue to provide the highest level of public safety for our residents.”
The fire department received an additional $62,500 grant for EMT training for the 16 new firefighters. As part of Jersey City’s grant application to FEMA, the fire department requested these additional funds to further its mission for all Jersey City first responders to be trained as EMTs and better equipped to handle all emergencies. There are currently 19 firefighters in the academy receiving EMT training.
Jersey City gets a big piece of the grant pie
Menendez praised Fulop, noting that the city had already taken steps to increase its fire protection and hire new fire fighters, and that the grant provided the city with even more resources.
“This grant will feed and support us having the basics – the power necessary to do the job,” Booker said. “This grant will prevent what could have been potential layoffs and will actually help us to add to the manpower and womanpower in this agency. This is worthy of celebration.”
Since 2005, Jersey City has received $23 million or more than ten percent of the total amount awarded in the state during that period, Menendez said.
“As we once again reflect on the events of 9/11, we are reminded of the risks our first responders face every day and the sacrifices they make to protect each and every one of us,” Menendez said. “There is no more selfless job than that of a firefighter. The JCFD stood up when the towers fell on 9/11. They saved lives, assisted in the evacuation of Lower Manhattan, and later served at Ground Zero, only further exposing themselves to toxic dust and debris that have sickened so many.”
He added, “Investing in our firefighters is an investment in our own safety and the safety of our families. This federal funding will help provide the necessary staffing so the Jersey City Fire Department is fully prepared to respond to the next emergency, whether that be a house fire, natural disaster, or man-made disaster.”
“Jersey City firefighters were on the front lines that tragic day 15 years ago, rushing into harm’s way to save the lives of others,” said Booker. “Federal investments like this in public safety help ensure that our brave first responders in Jersey City and beyond will never stand alone.”
Rep. Sires, who represents large portions of Jersey City but was not at the press conference, commented on the grant in a statement.
“This federal funding is critically important to Hudson County’s fastest growing city,” he said. “As Jersey City inches closer to becoming New Jersey’s largest municipality, it is essential that it has the resources to provide adequate coverage for its growing population. I am pleased that our firefighters in Jersey City will now have more resources and manpower to better protect the city’s residents.”
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.